This event was brought to my attention by some fellow (and downright awesome) animal lovers here in north Brooklyn. What’s more they were kind enough to help me arrange to meet Howard Wu, the fellow who is behind this new (and much-needed) endeavor: Animal Rescue of Queens! Follows is a synopsis of our conversation.

Who: Mr. Wu has worked and volunteered in NYC animal shelters and rescue organizations for ten years. As such he has first-hand experience in animal rescue.

Where: Now he is striking out to start his own organization in Long Island City. To this end he has purchased a building at 11th Street and 44th Avenue.

When: Once the building is vacated, February 2015, Animal Rescue of Queens (“ARQ”) will need to thoroughly rework the space. This will cost $75,000 and includes (but is not limited to):

Installing a new heating system and ventilation

Overhauling plumbing and electrical wiring

Roof repairs

Refurbishing the adoption space to make it comforting for two-legged and four-legged critters alike. THINK:not what one thinks of when he/she hears the words “animal shelter”. Or, as Howard put it:”Our adoptable dogs and cats will receive a high level of care, and will be taught the skills needed to make transitioning into a home as seamless as possible, for them and their adopters. To do this, the center will be set up with rooms and not cages. The rooms will contain home furnishings, just as would be seen in a home environment.”

How: Howard explained to me his vision for “ARQ”. Simply put, he wants to create an adoption center where animals and potential adopters alike feel comfortable. He wishes to see the animal shelter/adoption experience as a welcoming, community-based one wherein folks can meet and make a friend for life. Hence why the pup featured on the above flier (and his business card*) wears a cape; the human/pet relationship is a two way street. It not simply a matter of “rescuing” an animal. Furkids are our companions. They cheer us up when we’re feeling down; love us when we feel unloved. The list goes on and on.

They are our heroes.

as he put it. Who can disagree with that?

This is why “ARQ” needs our help: they need funding to make these renovations happen! To this end they are having a fundraiser at Sweet Science this upcoming Sunday, December 7th. Check it out!

Those of you who are unable to attend but wish to make a donation can do so by clicking here. NOTE: these contributions are tax-deductible. Those who care to contact Howard can do so via email at: howard (at) ARQadopt.org. Otherwise, he has informed that me come February he plans to have an open house and fundraiser featuring artwork for auction. Take note, my north Brooklyn/Queens artist comrades!

*which also features a cat— but not prominently enough to satisfy this cat lady! Hey, you do not expect me not to good-naturedly bust his chops about this?

I have been called a great many things in my life, but “right wing” is a new one. This one’s for you, “Scarano”! You are to architecture and north Brooklyn what blankets were to the Siege of Fort Pitt.

Today my buddy Larry, one of the many Williamsburg has seen to “displace” of late, took me on a tour of his new-ish neighborhood. As we rounded the corner at 36th Avenue and 31st Avenue we heard a sound. It was the sound of freedom.

More specifically, it was the sound of metal— and the above-depicted gentlemen were the origin. My travelling companion, Larry, and I waved to them in appreciation. In return we were greeted with “devil horns”. So naturally we did what exactly after-school specials told us not to do: we walked over to make their acquaintance.

I cannot attest to the conversation Larry had initially with these fellows. This is because I went to a bodega. My reason for doing so will become apparent later. What I can say is Eric and Martin rock. BIG TIME.

After Eric played this tune I asked him if he has a web site or anything on Youtube. He said he did, in fact, have footage on Youtube— but he thought it sucked so he and I quote:

Blew it away!

Eric asked me if I liked metal. I assured him I did. He informed me he loved metal and was drunk as hell. The first, gentle readers, is beyond question and I can personally attest to the latter. I asked if I could make a request. Not only was Eric game, but he refused to accept any money in return.* Touched by this demonstration of generosity (who expects to get anything for free in 2014 New York City anymore?) I asked Eric what he likes.

Slayer, The Misfits, Danzig, Metallica and Iron Maiden

was his reply.

So I requested the first thing that came to mind. Here it is.

Those of you who seek real, genuine, 100% New York City hospitality go to the 36th Avenue stop of the N/Q in Queens.

There your hospitality ambassadors await you. Not only do Eric and Martin take requests (and won’t make fun if you can’t sing Metallica)— for free— but they’ll even give you a send off number. We got Black Sabbath.

Welcome to Nevernevermotherfuckingland, Taylor Swift!

Photo Credits: The first four images gracing this post come courtesy of Larry Auerbach. Not only is he a very nice fellow and an immensely talented photographer, but his musings on life rarely fail to make me smile!

*Which is why I went to the bodega. I had $5.00 on my person. I bought a bottle of water so as to get four one dollar bills in return. I needed $1.00 in order to refill my Metrocard for a ride home. This left $3.00 which went, after careful consideration, to Eric’s aide de camp Martin.